Chapter 93 What Are Friends For?
Rex stood at the center of the Alpha’s quarters, arms folded loosely across her chest.
She looked deep in thought as she mused over the just confused ritual for her Luna and friend, wondering just how effective it was and how long before they had to worry again.
Everywhere was quiet that morning. It was one of those rare moments when the pack house felt almost peaceful.
Lyra sat on the couch opposite her, one leg tucked under the other. She was dressed simply in jean shorts and a black tank top that hugged her frame, her hair loose down her back and soft tendrils framing her face.
Thankfully, there was color in her cheeks again, a clear show that strength was slowly returning to her posture, though her eyes still carried a certain weariness considering everything she’d been through.
But still, she looked beautiful.
Not just physically, there was something livelier about her now, something relaxed and at peace.
Rex cleared her throat. “I’m glad you’re feeling strong enough to sit up today.”
Lyra smiled faintly. “Strong enough to sit. Not sure about anything else.”
“Oh, be optimistic. The ritual turned out just fine. I heard the priestess even praised you in front of Alpha Ryker."
She scoffed loudly. “I find that very hard to believe. She said I was weak and feeble. She couldn't wait to get rid of me."
Before Rex could respond, footsteps echoed down the hallway and a second later, Dax walked in, running a hand through his hair as he slowed to a stop.
“Hey,” he said. “Sorry I took too long. I was riding out with the guys from morning patrol when I heard the clinic wanted to see me.”
“Well, technically, it wasn't the clinic, it was us."
Dax frowned, “why didn't you just say so?"
“Because I figured you'd come quicker if you thought it was about Lyra."
“That's not fair," Dax snapped and folded his arms, pouting at Lyra.
"I'm sorry, I warned her not to do it,” Lyra laughed but Rex didn't look even a bit remorseful.
Rex waved it off. “Anyway, how you got here is not a problem. I had a suggestion, and I thought it would be better if I told you and Ryker about it.”
Dax lifted a brow. “Okay. What’s up?”
Lyra shifted forward slightly. “Rex thinks we should go to the library and read up on my condition. And honestly,” She hesitated, then nodded. “I think she’s right.”
Dax looked between the two women, his expression skeptical. “Look, as much as I don’t buy into all that Blood King crap,” he held up a hand when Lyra opened her mouth, “I know, I know. The priestess did say we had to be careful. But the ritual was done. That was supposed to handle everything, right?”
Lyra shook her head. “That ritual was only for the mind bond. She said something about a blood bond too.”
Dax stared at her for a long moment. Then he snorted. “And how exactly are you supposed to deal with that? Drain every drop of blood out of your freaking body? Because last I checked, that makes you dead.”
“Dax,” Rex snapped sharply, shooting him a glare. “Learn to shut up sometimes. You don’t need to say every thought that pops into your head.”
He shrugged unapologetically. “I’m just saying the truth. There’s no getting rid of a blood bond unless the blood is gone.”
“It’s a crude method,” Lyra said calmly. “And not the only one. There might be another way. That’s why we need the library.”
Dax still looked unconvinced, but after a second he sighed. “Whatever you girls say. I’m game.”
Lyra let out a small breath of relief. “I’ll grab the keys to the library. Last I checked, Ryker keeps them in one of his vaults.”
She stood and headed for the stairs before either of them could say anything else.
Upstairs, Lyra moved quickly, already rummaging through where Ryker usually kept important things.
She reached the door to his private study and pushed it open just as she heard keys jingling loudly behind her.
“Looking for this?”
She spun around, heart jumping, and found Ryker standing there, holding the keys up between his fingers, one brow raised.
“Ryker,” she said quickly. “I didn’t know you were back from patrol.”
“Neither did I know you were planning to sneak out with Rex and my brother without telling me first,” he replied evenly.
Lyra opened her mouth, then closed it. There was no decent lie forming fast enough. “It's not sneaking, we're just going to the library."
“It's sneaking if you're keeping it from your husband," he retorted.
“I thought you’d be tired after patrol,” she said honestly. “I didn’t want to bother you.”
Ryker stepped closer, his gaze intense but not angry. “You’re my wife. Everything about you bothers me, in the best way. Don’t think you can get into my head, Lyra. And don’t ever tell me I’m tired of taking care of you.” His voice dropped. “That will never happen. You will always be my responsibility.”
Guilt hit her hard. She looked down. “I’m sorry. I’ve just been such a burden lately—”
His hands came up instantly, cupping her face. “Stop,” he said firmly. “Don’t say nonsense like that. It’s just a visit to the library.” He pressed the keys into her hand. “And I’m coming along.”
He grabbed a jacket from the chair and nodded toward the door. “Let’s go.”
Downstairs, Dax groaned the moment he saw Ryker. “He’s coming too?”
Lyra nodded. “Yes.”
Dax rolled his eyes. “Great.”
Ryker turned to him slowly. “If my presence makes you uncomfortable, maybe you should consider taking a break. You’ve been patrolling all morning. We’ll do just fine without your company.”
“Yeah, right,” Dax shot back. “And stay away just to hear that Lyra got into some other kind of danger? Not happening.”
“You’ve said more than once that I can’t take care of my own wife,” Ryker replied coldly. “I’m getting tired of hearing it, little brother.”
Before the tension could get any worse, Lyra stepped forward. “While both of you are down here trying to start another unnecessary fight, Rex and I will get a head start to the library.”
She grabbed Rex’s hand, opened the door, and pulled her outside without waiting for a response.
The door shut behind them.
Dax stared at it for a moment, fuming.
Ryker smirked. “Maybe it’s time you get your own mate. You’re starting to act like a desperate, unmated wolf.”
Dax laughed for a few seconds and then finally got closer to his face.
“We’re both single, brother,” Dax continued lightly. “Because last I checked, your mate actually died five years ago. And this reborn Lyra?” He shrugged. “She doesn’t belong to you.”
He turned and walked out, leaving Ryker standing alone in the Alpha’s quarters, the words echoing louder than any shout.